112th birth anniversary of Xu Fancheng
As we mark the 112th birth anniversary of Xu Fancheng, a legendary figure in the realm of cultural exchange between India and China, it is a time to celebrate his contributions and explore new avenues for fostering India-China cultural relations. In honor of this occasion, the Xu Fancheng Culture Study Center, in collaboration with LongFeng Palace in Zhengzhou, China, the Heartfulness Institute, and the Pondicherry Youth Entrepreneurs Network, is hosting a forum titled “Chinese Culture and India-China Cultural Relations.”
The forum is scheduled for December 10th, 2021, and will run from 14:30 to 16:40 Beijing Time (GMT 17:00-19:10). Both online and offline registration will open at 14:00.
About Xu Fancheng
Xu Fancheng was a remarkable figure in the modern history of India-China cultural relations. Known for his profound understanding of both Indian and Chinese cultures, he was a scholar, philosopher, translator, painter, and an Indo-Sinologist revered in both countries. With proficiency in nine languages, Xu Fancheng was not only a versatile scholar but also an influential figure in bridging the cultural divide between India and China.
His deep engagement with Indian culture, especially during his 27-year stay in Pondicherry, India, led to groundbreaking works. Xu was the first Chinese scholar to systematically translate the Great Upanishads into Chinese, and he provided a unique phonological comparison of Sanskrit with the Changsha dialect, highlighting the impact of Buddhism on Chinese languages. His translation of the Bhagavad Gita remains preserved at the National Museum of China. Moreover, his introduction of Sri Aurobindo’s integral yoga to China has had a lasting influence on Chinese intellectual circles.
The Forum’s Objectives
The forum aims to achieve several key objectives:
- Introduce Xu Fancheng’s Works: Highlighting the significant contributions of Xu Fancheng in promoting cultural understanding between India and China.
- Promote Cultural Relations: Strengthening the cultural ties between India and China through dialogue and collaboration.
- Empower Youth: Creating platforms for young individuals interested in cross-cultural relations between the two nations.
- Cultural Understanding: Encouraging a deeper understanding of both cultures through Xu Fancheng’s works.
- Launch the “China Culture Series”: An educational video project by the Xu Fancheng Culture Study Center aimed at broadening knowledge of Chinese culture.
- Discuss Opportunities: Exploring future collaborations and opportunities in cultural and academic exchanges.
Venue
The event will take place both offline at the Tea Road Center in Pondicherry and online via the Zoom platform.
Participating Organizations
- Sponsors: Department of Culture, Embassy of the People’s Republic of China in India
- Organizers: Xu Fancheng Culture Study Center
- Partners: LongFeng Palace, Heartfulness Institute, Pondicherry Youth Entrepreneurs Network
Event Chief Guests
India:
- Hon’ K. Lakshminarayanan: Tourism Minister, Pondicherry
- Hon’ Chandira Priyanga: Art and Culture Minister, Pondicherry
- Acharya Dr. Shree Varma: Chairman – PCR Ayurveda, Director – Heartfulness Yoga
- Mrs. Radha Srinivasagopalan: President, Pondicherry India-China Friendship Association
- Prof. Ram Mohan Singh: Department of Physical Education and Sports, Pondicherry University
- Dr. Vidyaa Ramkumar: Chairperson, Crafts Council of Pondicherry
- Mr. Victor Inparaj: CEO, Inspices International, Director – Luxe Interiors
- Mr. Gobidhan Murugaiyan: General Secretary, Pondicherry Youth Entrepreneurs Network
- Dr. Das Bikash Kali: Director, Xu Fancheng Culture Study Center, Secretary General, Pondicherry India-China Friendship Association
China:
- Mr. Yang Shaocheng: Chief (DDG), Regional Cooperation Office of Yunnan Province
- Mr. Yang Xibin: Director, Foreign Affairs Office, People’s Government of Dali City, Yunnan Province
- Mr. Zhuang Haibo: Deputy Director, Zhoushan People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, Zhejiang Province
- Ms. Zhou Liling: Deputy Director, Culture & Tourism, Dali City, Yunnan Province
- Prof. Zhang Rumei: Director, International Exchange and Cooperation Division, Dali University
- Mr. Yu Qianchao: General Manager, Zhoushan Ningtai Ocean Fisheries Co. Ltd.
- Dr. Lin Yanmin: Deputy Director, Institute of South Asian Studies, Yunnan Academy of Social Science
- Ms. Cao Chenrui: Head of the Hindi Department, School of South & Southeast Asian Languages and Culture, Yunnan Minzu University
- Miss Sun Xianfeng: Founder and Director, LongFeng Palace
Forum Minute to Minute
14:00 – Registration Opens
14:30 – Introduction of Distinguished Guests and Speakers
Moderator & Anchor: Mrs. Radha Srinivasagopalan
14:40 – Introductory Speech
- Mrs. Radha Srinivasagopalan
- Miss Sun Xianfeng (Chinese translation)
14:50 – Keynote Speech 1:
- Hon’ K. Lakshminarayanan, Minister, Dept. of Tourism, Pondicherry
15:00 – Keynote Speech 2:
- Hon’ Chandira Priyanga, Minister, Dept. of Art & Culture, Pondicherry
15:10 – Keynote Speech 3:
- Hon’ Mr. Yang Shaocheng, Chief (DDG), Regional Cooperation Office of Yunnan Province
15:20 – Keynote Speech 4:
- Hon’ Mr. Yang Xibin, Director of Foreign Affairs, People’s Government of Dali City, Yunnan Province
15:30 – Keynote Speech 5:
- Hon’ Mr. Zhuang Haibo, Deputy Director, Zhoushan People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, Zhejiang Province
15:40 – Introduction to the “China Culture Series”
- Short video on “XUFANCHENG” – Joint production from Xu Fancheng Culture Study Center and LongFeng Palace
- MOU Signing Ceremony: Xu Fancheng Culture Study Center (Dr. Bikash Kali Das) and LongFeng Palace (Miss Sun Xianfeng)
- Short Speech by Miss Sun Xianfeng (5 minutes)
Forum: Chinese Culture and India-China Cultural Relations
Honorary Guest Speakers:
15:50 – Acharya Dr. Shree Varma
Chairman, PCR Ayurveda, Director, Heartfulness Institute
15:55 – Prof. Zhang Rumei
Director for International Exchange and Cooperation Division, Dali University, Yunnan
16:00 – Prof. Ram Mohan Singh
Department of Physical Education and Sports, School of Humanities, Pondicherry University
16:05 – Mr. Yu Qianchao
General Manager, Zhoushan Ningtai Ocean Fisheries Co. Ltd.
16:10 – Dr. Vidyaa Ramkumar
Chairperson, Crafts Council of Pondicherry
16:15 – Dr. Lin Yanmin
Deputy Director, Institute of South Asian Studies, Yunnan Academy of Social Science
16:20 – Ms. Cao Chenrui
Head of the Hindi Department, School of South & Southeast Asian Languages and Culture, Yunnan Minzu University
16:25 – Mr. Puran L. Jeswani
CEO, China Trade Forum and Event Management Co. Ltd., Guangzhou China
16:30 – Mr. Victor Inparaj
CEO, Inspices International, Director, Luxe Interiors
16:35 – Mr. Gobidhan Murugaiyan
General Secretary, Pondicherry Youth Entrepreneurs Network
16:40 – Thanking Note
Mrs. Radha Srinivasagopalan
Event Concludes
A Celebration of Cultural Exchange
The forum promises to be a vibrant platform for dialogue, collaboration, and celebration of the rich cultural ties between India and China. It is a unique opportunity for scholars, youth, and cultural enthusiasts to engage in meaningful discussions and explore the multifaceted cultural landscapes of both countries.
As we commemorate the life and legacy of Xu Fancheng, we are reminded of the enduring power of cultural exchange in building bridges of understanding and friendship. This forum is not just a celebration of Xu Fancheng’s contributions but a step forward in nurturing a future where India-China relations are defined by mutual respect, cooperation, and shared cultural appreciation.
Join us in this exciting journey of discovery and collaboration, as we honor Xu Fancheng and continue his work in fostering a deeper connection between India and China.
